San Diego FC has made a significant move ahead of their 2025 debut, trading two draft picks to bolster their defense and potentially sign a Designated Player. In exchange for Hosei Kijima and Thiago Andrade, San Diego will receive $400,000 in General Allocation Money, up to $250,000 conditional on performances, and a first-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft.
Head coach Mikey Varas expressed excitement about the trade, stating that it will fund the signing of a starting center back who will be part of the team’s core. Sporting director Tyler Heaps hinted at another DP signing this winter, saying they are “very close” to making a deal.
San Diego has made several moves in recent months, including acquiring Colombian international defender Andrés Reyes from the New York Red Bulls and adding other players like Marcus Ingvartsen, Jeppe Tverskov, and Paddy McNair. The team’s ownership, which includes Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Mansour, Spanish World Cup winner Juan Mata, and others, has also made significant investments in the club.
San Diego will make their MLS debut on February 22-23 against LA Galaxy and host St. Louis City SC on March 1 at Snapdragon Stadium. The team is set to unveil its first-ever kits on Friday.
Source: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42923765/san-diego-fc-trades-picks-hints-designated-player-signing